I was looking through my pictures from my stay in Japan, and I thought I should post some of the images I never used.

This is a Gion Kobu maiko named Mamesaku during her misedashi, or her debut as a maiko. Her kimono was incredibly beautiful, but that darari obi was simply awe-inspiring. I have yet to see another one like it.

Unfortunately, Mamesaku quit the profession in 2011. From what I understand, her family home in the Aomori prefecture was partially destroyed by the Tohoku earthquake.